For most of us, our dogs are cherished members of our family. As such, we not only share our home and experiences with our four-legged friends but often our favorite foods as well. Is that good? Well, it depends on what you feed them.
What kind of human foods can dogs eat? Many foods—such as fresh meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables—are good for dogs. But since dogs and humans metabolize food differently, some human foods are downright dangerous for your pooch. Knowing the difference could, at the very least, save you a trip to the vet.
What human food is good for dogs?
“What people food can dogs eat?” will generate a much longer list of possibilities than the question “What human food is good for dogs?” Here is a list of foods that are not only safe for your dog but are also GOOD for them. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, so always serve in moderation.
Proteins
Photo by Sebastian Holgado on Unsplash
What are the best protein sources for dogs? Fresh, lean cuts (avoiding fatty trims or skin) of whole food with no by-products that are cooked to avoid contamination are an excellent place to start. Avoid feeding your dog raw meat, fish, or eggs because there is a risk of food poisoning from bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Lightly cooking fresh whole-food ingredients will prevent disease while maximizing nutrition, digestibility, and taste.
Chicken
Chicken is an excellent source of protein and vitamins.
Beef
Beef is a complete protein that is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6.
Lamb
Lamb has an abundant supply of high-quality protein, zinc, and iron.
Turkey
Turkey often gets a bad rap when it comes to dog nutrition, but served with fatty trim or skin, it is a superior source of lean protein and contains healthy minerals and vitamins.
Cooked Fish
Cooked fish, such as salmon or cod, is not only an excellent source of protein and vitamins but also contains essential fatty acids that contribute to a healthy, shiny coat.
Vegetables
Photo by Scott Warman on Unsplash
If you were paying attention to your mom when you were growing up, you won’t be surprised to find out that fresh, cooked vegetables (steamed or boiled for best digestion) would be high on the list of what human food is healthy for dogs. Here are some of the best:
Carrots
Carrots: The adage that carrots are good for your eyes is not only true for you but for your pup as well. Carrots are also chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes have significant antioxidant capabilities and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Broccoli
Broccoli is also an outstanding source of vitamins K, C, B6, E, and A as well as minerals and dietary fiber. You should limit broccoli, generally like all treats, to an occasional snack because it contains compounds that may irritate your dog’s digestive system if eaten too often.
Green Beans
Green beans are rich in vitamin K, riboflavin, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin and are a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorous, and protein.
Fruits
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, that might be a bit much for your dog (remember our moderation rule), but you get the idea. Fruits are GREAT treats for our furry friends!
Apples
Apples, green or red, are high in antioxidants and fibers. Always chop into bite-size pieces and never feed your dog apple seeds, as they can contain cyanide, a chemical that can be poisonous in large amounts.
Cranberries
Cranberries are considered to be one of the world’s healthiest foods and are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and vitamins E and K. They are also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. They are a little tart, so they are best mixed with meals.
Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins K and C, manganese, and fiber and, like cranberries, are a great source of antioxidants.
The list of what human foods can dogs have also included venison, potatoes, green peas, white and brown rice, to name a few. Use common sense. For example, don’t feed your precious pup junk food or anything that is heavily salted or seasoned.
Never feed your dog these foods!
Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash
Many foods that are safe for humans can be harmful and even fatal to dogs. Never feed your precious pooch any of the following:
Chocolate
Chocolate: This isn’t a surprise to most people. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that are difficult for dogs to metabolize. Darker chocolate is more toxic than sweeter varieties, but all can lead to chocolate poisoning.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins contain yet to be identified toxic compounds that are incredibly harmful to dogs. Even small amounts can make your dog sick, and larger amounts can lead to rapid kidney failure, which can be fatal.
Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Onions, garlic, and chives are part of the allium family and contain a compound that can damage your dog’s blood cells and can cause a form of anemia (damage to the red blood cells).
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic and can cause vomiting, weakness, fever, and muscle tremors.
Other human foods to avoid feeding your dog:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- All artificial sweeteners (used in candy, gum, and some diet foods)
- Raw eggs, raw meat, and raw fish
Human foods may be the key to your dog’s health
It is shocking to see how many pet foods on the market—even most of the premium-priced brands—use feed-grade ingredients and dangerous preservatives. Rather than feeding your dog highly processed kibble or canned dog foods, we at JustFoodForDogs believe you are much better off feeding your pet healthy human-grade proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
That’s why one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy is to join our movement by feeding whole-food meals made fresh from USDA-certified ingredients and balanced to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. These veterinarian-developed prepared meals are also a great answer to the question “What human foods can puppies eat?” since many whole-food recipes like chicken and white rice and fish and sweet potato are particularly puppy-friendly.
So what’s the answer to the age-old question of what human foods are healthy for dogs? Start by checking our lists above. Use common sense. And look for dog foods that are prepared using only fresh, dog-healthy human-grade ingredients.
Start Feeding Fresh Today
Or
